NHS: The Family They Never Had

Among the organized chaos of medical professionals in Birmingham, a young man named James Stokes navigates his daily responsibilities with subtle confidence. His smart shoes move with deliberate precision as he exchanges pleasantries with colleagues—some by name, others with the familiar currency of a "how are you."

James carries his identification not merely as a security requirement but as a declaration of belonging. It hangs against a well-maintained uniform that offers no clue of the tumultuous journey that led him to this place.

What separates James from many of his colleagues is not immediately apparent. His bearing reveals nothing of the fact that he was among the first beneficiaries of the NHS Universal Family Programme—an undertaking crafted intentionally for young people who have experienced life in local authority care.

"It felt like the NHS was putting its arm around me," James explains, his voice controlled but tinged with emotion. His observation encapsulates the essence of a programme that aims to transform how the massive healthcare system views care leavers—those vulnerable young people aged 16-25 who have graduated out of the care system.

The statistics paint a stark picture. Care leavers often face poorer mental health outcomes, money troubles, housing precarity, and diminished educational achievements compared to their contemporaries. Underlying these cold statistics are personal narratives of young people who have navigated a system that, despite best intentions, often falls short in providing the stable base that shapes most young lives.

The NHS Universal Family Programme, established in January 2023 following NHS England's promise to the Care Leaver Covenant, represents a profound shift in institutional thinking. At its heart, it accepts that the whole state and civil society should function as a "communal support system" for those who haven't known the security of a traditional family setting.

Ten pathfinder integrated care boards across England have charted the course, creating frameworks that rethink how the NHS—one of Europe's largest employers—can extend opportunities to care leavers.

The Programme is detailed in its methodology, initiating with thorough assessments of existing procedures, establishing governance structures, and garnering leadership support. It recognizes that effective inclusion requires more than noble aims—it demands concrete steps.

In NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB, where James found his footing, they've created a reliable information exchange with representatives who can deliver help and direction on wellbeing, HR matters, recruitment, and equality, diversity, and inclusion.

The standard NHS recruitment process—formal and potentially intimidating—has been carefully modified. Job advertisements now focus on personal qualities rather than extensive qualifications. Application procedures have been redesigned to consider the particular difficulties care leavers might face—from lacking professional references to facing barriers to internet access.

Maybe most importantly, the Programme understands that starting a job can pose particular problems for care leavers who may be handling self-sufficiency without the backup of parental assistance. Matters like commuting fees, identification documents, and financial services—considered standard by many—can become significant barriers.

The beauty of the Programme lies in its meticulous consideration—from outlining compensation information to offering travel loans until that essential first salary payment. Even ostensibly trivial elements like rest periods and workplace conduct are thoughtfully covered.

For James, whose NHS journey has "revolutionized" his life, the Programme offered more than employment. It gave him a perception of inclusion—that intangible quality that emerges when someone senses worth not despite their history but because their particular journey improves the workplace.

"Working for the NHS isn't just about doctors and nurses," James notes, his gaze showing the subtle satisfaction of someone who has discovered belonging. "It's about a community of different jobs and roles, a team of people who genuinely care."

The NHS Universal Family Programme represents more than an work program. It stands as a powerful statement that organizations can change to embrace those who have known different challenges. In doing so, they not only change personal trajectories but enhance their operations through the distinct viewpoints that care leavers bring to the table.

As James moves through the hospital, his involvement quietly demonstrates that with the right assistance, care leavers can flourish in environments once thought inaccessible. The support that the NHS has extended through this Programme symbolizes not charity but appreciation of untapped potential and the essential fact that each individual warrants a family that champions their success.